Did you know that in 1997, animal shelters across America were filled with unwanted Dalmatians? It’s not because they don’t make great family dogs. Rather, it’s because of the 1996 remake of 101 Dalmatians.
The film portrayed them as easy-going, gentle, and carefree dogs that practically took care of themselves. But…this couldn’t be further from the truth.
So in this article, we’re going to explain the 10 reasons why you should never get a Dalmatian. And make sure you read until the end, because you’ll need to hear the last one if you’re planning on bringing home a puppy.
1. Dalmatians will be much more energetic than you think.
If you’re looking for a chill lounge buddy to cuddle with…run far away now. These spotted fur balls are like furry Energizer bunnies. These spotted dogs don’t just play – they practically bounce around like they’re on springs!
Don’t believe me? Dalmatians were literally bred to run aside and protect carriages all day long. So, you can almost always expect these dogs to have high energy.
In fact, one owner says,
“I walk my dalmatians 8 to 10 miles every single day and they still have endless energy and bounce off the walls.”
Saying that Dalmatians need a ton of exercise might actually be an understatement. According to the PSDA, Dalmatians need a minimum of TWO hours of physical activity each day. Yes, you read that right – they need two hours!
This can be long walks, jogging sessions, frisbee and even swims. Without it, they’ll turn your house into their personal racetrack. And trust me, the aftermath won’t be pretty.
That said, if you’re not a very active person or don’t have the time to dedicate to these dogs, then you really shouldn’t be getting a Dalmatian.
2. The Dalmatian’s shedding seems like it never stops
If you thought your vacuum was only for occasional use, think again. Dalmatians are notorious for heavy shedding like there’s no tomorrow. And the worst part is that their short, dense coats mean it’s a year-round issue, not just seasonally.
It can get so bad that these dogs will leave a trail of white fur everywhere they go. Oh, that black couch of yours? Covered. Your favorite dark sweater? Furry. There might even be a point when you start to wonder whether you’ve adopted a Dalmatian or a snow machine.
So if you’re not a fan of daily sweeping, vacuuming, and lint rolling, you might want to reconsider and get a hypoallergenic dog breed instead – such as a Standard Poodle!
However, if you have fur allergies (even mild allergies), then you really shouldn’t be owning a Dalmatian. Trust me, it’ll be a complete nightmare for your sinuses.
3. Dalmatians don’t understand personal space.
If you’re like me and enjoy a little personal space from time to time, then a Dalmatian might not be your best bet. These dogs are going to be like your furry shadow, always by your side. In fact, we like to call them, “velcro dogs.”
Whether you’re cooking in the kitchen, relaxing on the couch, or even heading to the bathroom, your Dalmatian will be right there with you. One owner joked, “My Dalmatian is my new bathroom buddy. Privacy? What’s that?”
Dalmatians are known for their loyalty and need for constant companionship. They thrive on being close to their humans and can get anxious if left alone for too long. And because they were bred to essentially be guard dogs, it makes a lot of sense why they’re like this.
So if you’re someone who values alone time, this could be a challenge. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a devoted companion who will always be there to keep you company, then hey, maybe a Dalmatian really is for you.
4. Dalmatians can sometimes seem aggressive.
Dalmatians are famously known for their protective nature and guardian instincts, which can sometimes be mistaken for aggression. But don’t worry – it’s all part of their instincts as guard dogs.
They’re incredibly loyal and will be wary of strangers, especially if they’re in or around their territory. If they sense a threat, they won’t hesitate to bark or growl to protect their family.
One Dalmatian owner shared,
“My Dalmatian thinks he’s the family’s personal bodyguard. He barks at the mailman like he’s a supervillain.”
It’s important to note that with proper training and socialization, Dalmatians often do develop into being friendly and well-mannered dogs in society. However, their strong protective instincts mean they might not always get along with other dogs or people they don’t know.
To minimize these instincts and behavior, early socialization is key to helping them understand that not every stranger is a threat. So, if you’re not up for the task of consistent training and socialization, you might find your Dalmatian’s protective behavior a bit overwhelming.
5. You’ll need to be careful with the foods they eat.
Make no mistake, Dalmatians aren’t going to be like Labradors. They can’t just eat anything and be relatively okay. In fact, Dalmatians have a unique metabolism that makes it hard for them to break down uric acid, leading to the risk of kidney stones or gout.
And in some cases, these conditions will require emergency surgery or even lead to death. Plus, the stones are generally more problematic in male Dalmatians because of the way their urethra is curved.
So what this means is that their diet needs to be carefully managed to avoid high-purine foods, which can really worsen these conditions. High-purine foods, which often include cheaper protein sources, can be very problematic for Dalmatians.
That said, you might have to invest a little bit more in specialized, lower-purine dog foods, which can be pricier. If you’re not prepared to manage a strict diet and potentially higher food costs, a Dalmatian might not be the most ideal dog breed for you.
6. Dalmatians can be extremely stubborn dogs.
If you’re expecting a Dalmatian to follow commands like a well-trained soldier, you might be in for a surprise. Sure, some of them can be people-pleasers and willing learners, but most Dalmatians are known for their stubborn streak.
They’re intelligent, yes, but also incredibly independent-minded. This combination usually makes training your Dalmatian a real challenge.
One owner says,
“Rather than wanting to please you, they want to be pleased so they can be stubborn and not listen to commands.”
Their stubbornness means they might decide to ignore commands or act out just because they feel like it. If they’re not feeling it that day, they just won’t do it. Consistent, patient training is essential, and even then, you might find yourself in a battle of wills.
Using positive reinforcement and keeping training sessions fun and engaging can help, but don’t expect instant results. So, if you’re not up for the challenge of training a headstrong dog, then you probably should avoid getting a Dalmatian. Try a Golden Retriever or Labrador instead.
7. Dalmatians need to be from a conscientious breeder.
When it comes to Dalmatians, finding a reputable breeder is absolutely essential. In a breed where colors and patterns matter a whole lot, some people, in a quest to get the perfect spots, will give up some other important factors for appearance.
Unsurprisingly, it’s usually the health of the Dalmatian pups that get overlooked. In fact, it’s why this breed is prone to so many health issues, including deafness and urinary problems, which is exacerbated by poor breeding practices.
A conscientious breeder will perform health tests on their breeding dogs and provide you with documentation of the results. You’ll also want to find a breeder who’ll be candid about the temperaments in the pedigree.
They’lll be knowledgeable about the breed’s quirks and health needs, and will be a valuable resource throughout your Dalmatian’s life.
So if you’re not up for doing a lot more research and homework when looking for your Dalmatian, you’ll probably want to skip on this breed.
8. Some Dalmatians may developing food aggression.
Dalmatians can sometimes develop food aggression, making mealtime a bit of a challenge for many owners. Food aggression can lead to growling, snapping, or even biting when they feel their food is threatened.
This behavior can be concerning, especially in households with kids or other pets, so it’s important to address food aggression early on with proper training and behavior modification techniques.
Teaching your Dalmatian to feel safe and secure during mealtime can help reduce their anxiety and aggressive tendencies. If not managed properly, food aggression can become a serious issue, which may require professional help.
So, if you’re considering a Dalmatian, be prepared to put in the effort to ensure mealtime is a peaceful event.
9. Dalmatians can sometimes be a little too smart.
Having a smart dog should be a good thing, right? Well, that’s not always the case. Dalmatians are incredibly intelligent dogs – sometimes too smart for their own good. However, this can be both a blessing and a curse.
Their high intelligence means they learn quickly, but it also means they can easily get bored and come up with their own, often mischievous, ideas to entertain themselves.
Plus, their cleverness tends to lead to their own problem-solving behaviors that aren’t always desirable, such as opening doors, finding hidden treats, or figuring out how to escape the yard.
So, while their high intelligence makes them great learners, it also requires you to stay one step ahead of them. That said, if you’re not prepared for a dog that can outthink you at times, a Dalmatian might not be the best fit.
10. The Dalmatian’s “terrible twos” will actually be terrifying.
Raising a Dalmatian puppy can feel like a whirlwind. The first two years of their lives are filled with boundless energy, mischief, and a touch of chaos. In fact, these high-energy pups are notorious for their destructive tendencies if not properly exercised and entertained.
But don’t worry, Dalmatians tend to calm down a bit after they’ve reached their third year, though they never really lose their “puppy energy.” This is because Dalmatians mature slower than other dog breeds, which means they’ll likely be in the destructive puppy phase for longer.
Remember that puppyhood is a critical time for them, requiring consistent training, socialization, and a lot of patience. Their curiosity and stubbornness can lead to a myriad of challenges, from chewing on furniture to digging up your garden.
The best way to manage this behavior? Provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep their busy minds occupied.
While the first two years can be exhausting and sometimes overwhelming, they’re also a crucial period for building a strong bond with your Dalmatian – that is, if you’re up for the challenge.
11. BONUS REASON
And here’s a bonus reason why you shouldn’t get a Dalmatian. You’ll need to get ready for constant comments like, “do you keep the other 100 at home?” All kidding aside, Dalmatians can still make wonderful family dogs if you put in the effort.
Did we miss anything about the Dalmatian? Let us know in the comments!
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